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POL36240

Academic Year 2026/2027

Diplomacy & Int. Organisation (POL36240)

Subject:
Politics
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Politics & Int Relations
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
10
Module Coordinator:
Dr Doris Aja-Eke
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The course is divided into two broad parts. The first part examines the history of diplomacy down to
contemporary diplomatic practices. The second and predominant part of this course examines the rise of
international organisation and regionalism. The course also examines decision-making processes across
different international organisations and the limit of their power, including fostering cooperation and
sanctioning member states. There is a large emphasis on how international politics and power tussles
influence the actions, inactions, and decisions of different international organisations.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, the student should:

1. Be familiar with historical and contemporary diplomatic practices.
2. Be able to discuss the rise of international organisations and regionalism.
3. Be able to explain how different international relations theories explain the politics and activities of contemporary international organisations. Students should also be able to cite instances with different international organisations.
4. Be able to clearly explain the aims, evolution, challenges, and internal politics of a minimum of 2 international organisations and also have a good understanding of a wide range of other international organisations.
5. Be able to understand and clearly discuss how politics (including sanctions, collective security and decisions, as well as other vital principles) influences international organisations' decisions and (in)actions.

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


Goal Name Description Coverage

End poverty in all its forms everywhere 2

Reduce inequality within and among countries 2

Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels 2

Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development 3
 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

176
Lectures

24
Total

200

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Teaching and learning will mostly be in seminar format. The second half of the course will largely constitute
group presentations, and students are expected to actively engage in the weekly readings and class
discussions.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): End-of-term close book examination. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Graded No
50
 No
Group Work Assignment: Group Assignment/Presentation - Based on selected international organisation. Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10 Graded No
30
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Four random pop quizzes - short, closed book quiz based on weekly readings. Week 1 - Week 12. Week 1, Week 12 Graded No
20
 No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual and group/Class feedback, post-assessment.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 13:00 - 14:50
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